Budget/Tax 2/9

Sugary drink taxes just don't work - here's why

Jul 91 min read

Sugary drink taxes just don't work - here's why

These taxes often come with promises to decrease sugar consumption and raise revenue for popular programs. These goals are counterintuitive.

Wealth tax questions punted for another day

Jason Mercier

Jun 283 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Wealth tax questions punted for another day

There are at least four U.S. Supreme Court justices willing to forcefully slam the door shut on efforts to impose wealth taxes....

No more secrets: Open the door to public employee contract talks

Chris Cargill

Jun 272 min read

GOVERNANCE

No more secrets: Open the door to public employee contract talks

Collective bargaining in government is controversial, but it should never be a secret. Collective bargaining talks are the negotiations...

Are there billions of dollars hiding in Idaho’s tax preferences couch cushions?

Jason Mercier

Jun 183 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Are there billions of dollars hiding in Idaho’s tax preferences couch cushions?

Some believe that Idaho is sitting on a goldmine of forgone taxes through “wasteful” tax preferences. There were comments made to that...

Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes

Madilynne Clark

Jun 113 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes

Where should you live in the Mountain States? The question seems to be on the country’s mind as it has been the fastest growing region...

Here is what MSPC shared with Idaho budget writers - Budgeting for Outcomes

Jason Mercier

Jun 62 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Here is what MSPC shared with Idaho budget writers - Budgeting for Outcomes

Idaho's legislative Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) held a work session today discussing performance-based budgeting and...

Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes

Jason Mercier

May 203 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes

When taxpayers provide their hard-earned dollars to government officials, they are doing so in hopes of receiving a tangible outcome for...

Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report

Jason Mercier

May 82 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report

The annual “Rich States, Poor States” report produced by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) shows Idaho ranking 2nd for...

U.S. Supreme Court upholds constitutional safeguards against undue building fees

Olivia Johnston

Apr 164 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

U.S. Supreme Court upholds constitutional safeguards against undue building fees

Government officials have been placed on notice by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning undue impact fees.

Jason Mercier

Apr 41 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Comparing taxes in the Western States

With continued tax reduction efforts occurring across the country this year, these numbers are likely to change in next year’s report.

Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session: Policy success and reforms still needed

Jason Mercier

Apr 36 min read

GOVERNANCE

Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session: Policy success and reforms still needed

There were several exciting reforms advanced, a few disappointing roadblocks hit, and a couple of head-scratching moments.

29 states now have some form of ESA, education choice tax credit, or education tax scholarship

Jason Mercier

Mar 262 min read

EDUCATION

29 states now have some form of ESA, education choice tax credit, or education tax scholarship

Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California are now the only states in the West not providing these options for families.

Idaho ends political messages on taxpayer refund checks

Jason Mercier

Mar 252 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Idaho ends political messages on taxpayer refund checks

Thanks to the action of Idaho lawmakers this session, taxpayer refund checks will no longer include political messages.

Six ballot measures set the tone in 2024 for Washington

Jason Mercier

Mar 204 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Six ballot measures set the tone in 2024 for Washington

Hundreds of thousands of voters helped shape the just concluded 2024 Legislative Session and the upcoming November general election in...

Idaho remains a good investment after credit check

Jason Mercier

Mar 153 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Idaho remains a good investment after credit check

Strong fiscal discipline and good governance will help provide ongoing dividends for taxpayers.

Governor Little signs Unemployment Insurance tax savings bill

Jason Mercier

Mar 62 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Governor Little signs Unemployment Insurance tax savings bill

From Unemployment Insurance tax reductions to additional income tax relief, Idaho continues to put out the “Open for Business” sign.

Will Congress adopt tax relief this year?

Jason Mercier

Feb 294 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Will Congress adopt tax relief this year?

The opportunity to enact a bipartisan congressional tax relief bill would be a terrible thing to waste.

MSPC testimony on I-2111 to ban a state and local income tax in Washington

Jason Mercier

Feb 281 min read

BUDGET/TAX

MSPC testimony on I-2111 to ban a state and local income tax in Washington

I-2111 would implement the clear and consistent intent of Washington voters to stop income taxes from being imposed.

Income tax ban ballot measure to be heard by Washington lawmakers

Jason Mercier

Feb 222 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Income tax ban ballot measure to be heard by Washington lawmakers

Washington voters have overwhelmingly rejected an income tax the last 10 straight times it was on the ballot.

Taxpayer refund/settlement checks should not include political messaging

Jason Mercier

Feb 212 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Taxpayer refund/settlement checks should not include political messaging

The practice of including political messaging on taxpayer refund checks should be discontinued.

WHAT WE COVER

WHAT WE COVER

Free
Markets
First.